JOEL ROBERTS CAUSES OUTRAGE IN CARDIFF AFTER PREDATORY PLOT AGAINST 12-YEAR-OLD GIRL
In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Cardiff, a 19-year-old man named Joel Roberts was involved in a sinister attempt to engage in a sexual encounter with a 12-year-old girl.The incident unfolded when Roberts initiated contact with the young girl through social media platforms, sending her a highly inappropriate message that asked, "Are you good at blow jobs?".
The situation took a darker turn when Roberts arranged to meet the girl in person, seemingly with the intent of carrying out his predatory plans.
However, his scheme was foiled when members of the girl’s family unexpectedly arrived at the designated meeting spot, which was located on Western Avenue in Cardiff.
Upon seeing her family members, Roberts panicked and fled the scene, evading immediate arrest.
The girl’s family, concerned about her well-being, took possession of her phone and discovered the incriminating messages.
They then took the unusual step of continuing to communicate with Roberts, pretending to be the young girl in an effort to gather more evidence.
During these exchanges, they uncovered a photograph of the girl in her bra that she had previously sent to Roberts, further confirming the inappropriate nature of their contact.
Prosecutor Tim Evans explained during the sentencing hearing at Cardiff Crown Court that Roberts was clearly attempting to meet the girl without realizing that her family was monitoring the situation.
The messages included explicit requests and instructions, such as Roberts asking, "Are you good at blow jobs?" and instructing her not to wear jeans, along with a message stating, "I expect a kiss from you." Despite efforts to capture screenshots of the messages, Roberts later deleted them, making it more challenging to gather evidence.
When questioned by police, Roberts claimed he had never spoken to the girl via messages and answered 'no comment' during his police interview.
His denial was ultimately unsuccessful, as he later pleaded guilty to charges of attempting to commit a sexual offence and attempting to communicate with a child.
Roberts, who resides on Beechley Drive in the Fairwater area of Cardiff, was sentenced to 10 months in prison, suspended for two years.
The court also ordered him to participate in the Horizon programme, a rehabilitation initiative aimed at addressing offending behaviour.
Additionally, he was required to complete 80 hours of unpaid work, adhere to a six-month curfew from 8 pm to 6 am, and undergo a 30-day rehabilitation activity requirement.
Furthermore, Roberts was placed under sex offender notification requirements for a period of 10 years and was subject to a sexual harm prevention order for five years.
The case highlights the ongoing efforts of law enforcement and the judicial system to protect vulnerable children from predatory individuals and to hold offenders accountable for their actions in Cardiff.
